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TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS
OF THE LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM
I have the honour to present a report on the Health Services in Lewisham for the
year 1968.
This is the fourth in the present series and meets the requirements of the Department
of Health and Social Security and the Inner London Education Authority.
The incidence of general sickness as shown by returns for the Department of Health
and Social Security is marginally greater than last year though significantly less than
1966.
1968 was a favourable year as regards infectious disease and no special comment is
called for.
In mid-year measles vaccine became available and from July an attempt was made
to immunise children between the ages of 4 and 7. This was to try to stem the
expected epidemic of the autumn and winter months. Although too early for proper
evaluation the impression gained at the end of the year was that a significant effect
had been obtained.
Vital statistics for the Borough revealed marginal fluctuations, but indicated the
continuance of the favourable trend of recent years.
One third of all the deaths in the area now occur over the age of 75. This fact
calls for increasing attention to the allied problem of quantity and quality of physical
and spiritual care in terminal illnesses of the aged.
Towards the end of the year a Domiciliary Family Planning service conducted by
an experienced medical officer was established in the department to complement the
expanding clinic service provided on an agency basis by the Family Planning
Association. This meets a specific need and may well be considered by the Health
Committee as worthy of extension.
Home dialysis was arranged for three patients with advanced kidney disease during
the year. The adaptation of the home and the installation of special equipment, while
a formidable undertaking is an exercise in co-operation between the Local Health
Authority and the teaching hospitals concerned. The benefit to the patient is undoubted
while the saving of hospital beds and special in-patient facilities is significant. Mr.
A. J. Phillips, the Chief Public Health Inspector was appointed liaison officer for the
many agencies involved in the arrangements for this new venture in community care.
A special note is included in the report of the effect of the disastrous floods of
September on the health services. Some apprehension was felt that illness from shock
and exposure or spread of infection from contamination would be widespread. The
situation was closely watched and no death or dangerous illness attributable to the
incident could be recorded at the end of the year.
A further slight increase in the incidence of verminous infestation and scabies is
recorded. This occurrence tends to confirm a suspicion that resistance to present
methods of treatment may be developing. It is hoped that some special research into
this may be possible in the near future.
The improvement of housing conditions continued, and good progress was made
in clearing away many worn-out properties to make way for new. It is also gratifying
to note that there was an increase in the number of standard and discretionary grants
during the year. This procedure which has not been used in the past to the extent it
was hoped for, nevertheless has proved of great value in bringing many houses
within the Borough up to a reasonable standard of fitness and amenity.
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